Understanding Autism

What is Autism?   back to list

Autism is a developmental disorder that affects the brain's ability to process information. Characteristics include repetitive behavior, impaired communication, problematic social interaction, and some restricted behavior. Symptoms usually develop by the time a child is three years old.

This general term "autism" is used to describe a group of complex disorders within a range called Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Types of Autism Spectrum Disorders:   back to list

• (also known as ASD)
• Asperger's Syndrome
• Rett Syndrome
• Childhood Disintegrative Disorder
• PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified)

Does my child have Autism?   back to list

Because autism can exhibit very different symptoms from one child to another, there is no specific set of traits that determines whether or not a child is autistic. There is a wide range or "spectrum" of severity to the disorder. Some children may be completely non-communicative, while others may be high functioning and able to attend classes in a mainstream setting.

Getting a diagnosis for autism requires extensive observation by professionals, educational testing, and psychological testing. If your young child is missing major developmental milestones or has other warning signs, you should request an autism screening from your doctor or specialist as early as possible.

What are some of the signs of Autism?   back to list

• Impaired non-verbal communication such as eye contact, body language and social gestures, or facial expression
• Inability to maintain peer relationships
• No reciprocation when receiving social or emotional interaction
• Lack of desire to share interests, enjoyment, or accomplishments with others
• Little or no interest in imaginative play appropriate to the child's developmental level
• Developmental delay in speech or non-communicative
• Inability to carry on or start a conversation with others
• Repetition in speech or distinctive language
• Repetition of movements or gestures, such as ticks or stemming
• Intense obsession or preoccupation with a particular interest or object
• Strictly adhering to routines or rituals without flexibility

Autism Challenges in Public School   back to list

Autism has become increasingly prevalent over the last several years. According to the US Centers for Disease Control, one in 110 children in the United States are diagnosed with autism, and this number is growing every year.

Because of the increase in autism cases, public schools are becoming more aware of the disorder and trying to accommodate high functioning autistic students in a traditional classroom setting. Despite the good intentions, unfortunately many schools are not properly equipped with the staff to give these students the extra attention they may need to reach their full academic and social potential.

Most students can easily adopt simple skills like taking notes or organizing a desk after they are taught how to do them. With autistic children, however, this same process may take weeks of repetition and individual instruction before they can master these skills. With a classroom of twenty or more students, that is a major undertaking for one teacher. It can cause frustration for both the teacher and the autistic student, and for other children in the classroom.

What can Fourth Street School Do for Students with Autism?   back to list

Because our teacher to student ratio is very low, Fourth Street School can provide the individualized attention and communication that children with autism need to succeed in the classroom. Our therapeutic atmosphere offers training to enhance social skills and addresses the many emotional and developmental issues that go hand in hand with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Our therapeutic and academic environment offers:back to list

• Certified special education instructors
• Licensed children's therapy counselors
• Low teacher to student ratio
• Individualized Educational Plan
• Adaptive learning environment
• Lessons that include hands on activities outside the classroom
• Focus on effective communication skills
• Weekly group sessions to enhance social skills, problem-solving, emotional expression, and conflict resolution skills